Zune Home AV Pack v2 Reviews

• A pricey but essential Zune accessory

  
  By A3KAEWHGDCWZEN on 2008-04-03
  Like everything these days, this costs way too much. It should, in fact, have been included with the Zune. It adds so much value to it.
  
  It is a very well-made product. The AV cables are nice and thick. They appear sturdy and resistant to kinks. Believe me, there are some really scrawny AV cables out there. These look like Monster cables. The dock fits all models of Zune with removable trays that accomodate the different sizes. My Zune 2 sits in it like a baby in a car seat. Very secure with no connection problems.
  
  The power charger works without getting in your way. Plug the device in and whenever you dock your Zune, it will stay fully juiced up for your next journey.
  
  The remote, while not fancy, is really great. It duplicates all of the Zune's controls minus the touch-sensitivity. You click and hold to scroll instead. It works so well, I don't miss the squircle at all. Most surprising, it works from across my living room without fail. I like the remote so much, I'm going to try using it when my Zune is connected to the car kit.
  
  All materials are high-quality and I suspect they will last as long as the Zune. The AV kit works perfectly and I believe it is an essential part of the Zune. I almost took a star off for the high price, but it's such a great product and enhancement that it really is deserving of all five stars.
  
  

• This is a very simple choice for all Zune owners...GET ONE!

  
  By AJPQGW4NUFDRW on 2007-12-20
  First this maybe the best Zune accessory you can get...charge...sync all new content from your PC while your Zune is anywhere else in your home.
  
  Second...enjoy all your content with your TV or home stereo. All your content basically makes the Zune a media center. Also it has a very cool remote to control the Zune from your couch while your family enjoys the slide show. I love it. I have Aimersoft Zune software to convert select DVDs for the TV at grandma's, camping, trips with the kids and family vacations. So much value in a accessory is amazing to me.
  
  For many this accessory will increase your enjoyment and use of your Zune more than anything else.
  
  

• Zune AV Kit

  
  By A1MC0S0XD2MKXN on 2007-12-26
  Great Product. Took a while to get my TV configured for the sound. Zune kit worked perfetly. Just remember that whatever the quality of the video on your Zune will be the quality of the vidoe shown on your TV.
  
  

• Awesome!!

  
  By A112VAFPYE4OG7 on 2008-02-11
  I just received this product the other day and I absolutely fell in love with it w/in 2 minutes!! It's a breeze to set up (getting it out of the packaging took longer than to set it up!!). I only have music on my 30GB Zune so I can't comment on how pictures or videos look, but having the music play through my home theater system is awesome! It sounds incredible and now my whole family can dance to the music instead of just me!!
  
  I know the pricetag might be a little hefty, but I only paid $75.51 w/ Amazon and at Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc., the price was $99.99 for the EXACT same thing!! Amazon has a great deal on this product, and like I said, "it's awesome!!".
  
  

• 4/8 GB Zune Owners Beware.

  
  By A24AWV10U4IEGM on 2008-03-04
  Please remember to read the fine print- this only has complete features for the 30 and 80 GB Zunes, but not for the 4/8 GB Zunes.
  
  Granted you can still use the docking station, remote and play your music through your TV (didn't try hooking it up to any other devices), not being able to use video capabilities or even the menu through your tv, really makes it not worth your money (in my opinion) if you have a 4/8 GB Zune.
  
  So, I just wanted to post this review to make it known to any 4/8 GB Zune owners. It may or may not be what you really wanted, I think if you just bought a docking station, and an AV line, you can use it would be about the same.
  
  
  
• A great product !
  By A1ITUI3HQBQ141 on 2008-07-04
  I have a 80 MB Zune, this product plugs right into my stereo system and allows me to listen to my zune using my stereo and it also charges my zune as well. I am very pleased.
  I did not have any problems with the adapter base as it is all straight forward and works as advertised. I would recommend this product to anyone.
  I have not used the video part or the wireless feature as of yet.
  I really purchased it to do just what it is currently doing.
  
  
• Works exactly as expected!
  By A14XJ4F6YFABH9 on 2008-01-18
  Every component of this product works exactly as expected. The Dock fits all Zune models (I use it with the Zune 80). The remote control performs well, although it does not have the touch-sensitive feature of the Zune's pad. The Zune charges much quicker when connected to the A/C charger than when connected to the PC via the USB cable. The Video Out functionality works well, except that the aspect ratio crops the Zune menu screens a bit on standard-def analog TVs. However, videos seem to play very well and look great on an analog TV. I have not tried the hi-def out yet.
  
  My only complaint is more about the design of the product than of its performance. The A/C charger connects either to a cable that's fixed to the dock or to the USB cable that comes with the Zune. If you're traveling without the Dock, there's no way to have the Zune connected to a PC via USB and to the charger at the same time. Although, given the Zune's wireless connectivity capability and also the capability to charge the Zune through the USB cable, I suppose this scenario would never really be needed.
  
  All in all, it's a great product and should be considered by anyone who wants to use a Zune in conjunction with a home theater/stereo.
  
  
• Superb accessory
  By A17SMGZE8FWLGB on 2008-02-09
  From the minute I opened the box, I was impressed by the Zune Home accessory pack - easy to integrate to my stereo, easy to use - an excellent addition for a tunes addict to let you pipe our favorite music into the room and give your ears a rest from the earbuds of the player itself.
  
  The only piece that concerned me was the adapter shield that lets you plug in different Zune models - it seemed very flimsy, but upon installation was fine.
  
  
• Key word: Docking
  By A2VLRK9MVFIDWW on 2008-03-23
  This docking station is a usefull addition to the Zune(which is GREAT!), but man is it difficult to drop the zune into to the slot. I've had it for almost 3 months, and I would say that about 5 times has it dropped in with easy. The rest of the time it takes longer then it would to plug an audio cable in the top. I've had other docking stations and the problem with this guy is the shallow hold. Once you do manage to dock the device, the system works great. I always try to use the remote, but feel a little foolish some times when I go searching for the remote rather then just using the input on the Zune. Video playing works well, but I haven't got much advantage out of the wireless syncing.
  
  
• Zune 2 AV Kit
  By AW1C2ADQ1E5H8 on 2008-05-11
  I just set up my new AV kit (which I specifically bought for listening to music through my stereo system). Everything worked well until I sat back in my listening chair 8 feet away and the supplied remote didn't seem to work. It only worked when I got up and pointed it at the dock from about 3 feet away!I moved the AV dock closer to the front of shelf in front of the receiver with a clear line of view to the dock with the same result.
  This is very disapointing as the included instructions say that the remote will work up to 33'Not very practical if you have to get up every time you want to change a song. I now have a very expensive charger since the remote won't work unless you are almost directly in front of the dock.Maybe the included battery with the remote is bad but being brand new it isn't likley. If you're not plannning to use the remote it's a great product but for me it was a bust.
  
  
  
• Great gadget... needs longer AV cords
  By A3E2EWKVQS99QP on 2008-06-26
  I only use this to link my Zune to my AV receivers in my home (one in the basement, one upstairs.) That is, I don't have any video on my Zune. Really simple though -- just plug and play. My only gripes are:
  
  The Remote is a bit weak -- more than 25 feet or so and functionality gets sketchy.
  
  The AV connector cord needs to be at least 8 inches or so longer. Kinda tight to maneuveur and place in both my AV Receiver scenarios. Otherwise... great accessory.
  
  
• Excellent Value
  By A2OH5QS1B9DP5T on 2008-01-19
  This makes using your Zune with your Stereo or TV simple. I also like the fact that while I am listening it is charging for the next time I want to take it on the go. The remote control is a nice feature as well, but with a small screen you can't be to far from the Zune when using the remote. You do have the option with the Zune to change the display to your TV screen making it easier to use the remote from across the room. Overall this product works well and can be used with multiple size Zunes.
  
  
• Great product
  By A2409XN0TJYUT4 on 2008-01-19
  I love this product! We play the Zune through our Bose Wave radio, it was easy to connect and easy to use. I really like the remote control feature. However, unless you have the eyes of an eagle you need to be fairly close to see what you choosing.
  
  
• Zune Home A/V Pack
  By A7XIDC73RIK6C on 2008-04-15
  The Zune Home A/V pack is a great way to connect your Zune to both your TV and your computer. The dock works great. No fumbling with wires. Just set your Zune down, and it syncs easily. The A/V cables work great too. I can watch my movies with ease on any TV with standard RCA inputs. I love this product.
  
  
• Zune Home AV Pack v2
  By A1Y5P0R19KRB61 on 2008-05-22
  Awesome addition to the Zune 80G. Have been able to watch videos from my Zune on my 27" LCD TV as well as listen to music and see the information on the TV screen. Nice stand to charge my Zune rather than hooking it to my USB on the computer, especially when I'm not downloading music, etc. Highly recommended!
  
  
• Works Great!
  By A3SA3SI8HXUTWM on 2008-06-11
  Decent av pack for a decent price, since I've gotten it though, i have rarely used the remote and TV features, just mainly the dock...but that's my fault
  
  just make sure that you intend on using all of the features you are purchasing, unlike what i did
  
  
• Great product, not so great price
  By A1HOL01I1IFQV2 on 2008-09-18
  This is a fun product to have, and it adds so much value to your Zune. Comes with the charger, AV cables, and dock. My only complaints are with the price and the fact that you cannot detach the cable from the dock. It works very well, response time is good, you can tell the design and build quality is substantial. Makes for great use with guests, especially. But at the price that it is currently retailing at, well, unless you things Zune brand and like your things official (like me) you might be better off just buying a standard AV cable and sufficing with that. The real advantage, however, that this offers you, is the dock, which allows for higher quality output. (The jacks for "HD" video output is located in the back, behind the removable panel) Being that you're likely to connect the cables in the back, there is no way for radio signal to get to your Zune, so the radio function is defunct. Or, you could plug it through the headphone jack, which adds functionality back to cable, but makes the setup a little less neat looking and the weight of the cables could stress to the leaning Zune which makes it prone to falling over. This is all, of course, according to the 30 GB model that I have, it might be different in the newer ones, although I doubt it. Overall, a good product, the price just needs to lower. By a lot.
  
  
• ok, but could have been better quality
  By A3UZ3AI376GH5R on 2008-10-25
  I got this kit free as a prize from a web site.
  I already own a first gen 30GB zune and also have the v1 A/K kit as well.
  
  I noticed the quality on this a/v kit was no where near the quality of the last gen.
  The remote felt really cheap and was lacking buttons, the dock wasnt that much better, also felt cheap and on top of that there was no place to hold the remote unlike the first gen.
  The only plus to the new dock is it has HD cable support for v2+ gen zunes only.
  Another plus is the new power plug, its smaller, the actual prongs fold into the adapter for traveling, and its plugs in sideways.
  
  Overall you might be better off getting the first gen a/v kit.
  I only used the power pak from this kit and use all the first gen stuff instead after seeing the bad quality.
  
  
  
  
• Great Prod
  By AHVBWWK9ECH7J on 2008-01-18
  Sweet Buy it works well. the onlt problem is that there's a sync cable in the back to plug in the charger. It can not be taken out though.
  
  
• Excellent product
  By A38T130YDQ9894 on 2008-01-18
  I wish it cost less, but with the lack of third party products for the Zune v2 so far, it was what I needed (I have the Zune 80). The remote control is excellent. The video out is excellent. It has componenet video out also, but since my receiver is full of component cables already I haven't tried it and don't plan too since the regular video is quite excellent (I'm running it through a Denon 3803 receiver to my 50" Toshiba HD TV).
  
  
• Nice package for the $$
  By A3K9JH0VTY3YUQ on 2008-01-29
  Very pleased with this package. Had my Zune up and running on our sound system in about 15 min (mostly me crawling around plugging things in). Sound was acceptable (Not the best..but pretty good) and it was fun to use with friends over. My only complaint is I'm not able to get the video to display on TV. I can hear the sound but no video. My system is a little old so not sure if it's user error. The remote is nice but I can't see a damn thing across the room when navigating the menu...but can easily fast forward and shuffle without viewing the menu still usable. All in all worth the money. Documention could be better.
  
  
• Must have
  By A3FYDWEAU1Q2IA on 2008-02-08
  If you purchase a Zune, and already have a home theater system, the Home AV Pack is a must. CD's no longer needed. Also charges Zune.
  Note: Because resolution output to the TV is the same as that placed on your 3" Zune screen, you probably won't be pleased with watching videos or movies. However the resolution is fine for searching for a certain CD to play, which is all I use it for. Play movies on your DVD player.
  
  
• Great addition to Zune
  By A2FC58ZWYWVK6Q on 2008-02-08
  I purchased the Zune Home AV Pack v2 with my Zune 80 GB 2nd generation media player. It is a perfect match. I can now listen to over 30 years of my favorite music right at my television by remote control. Mix this with a surround sound system and you have the perfect media center. The only change I would like to see is for the remote to have a touch wheel like the Zune does. At this time it is strictly a click wheel.
  
  
• Better than expected
  By A7MZEI1LMC4DO on 2008-02-09
  It worked as advertised, but still better than I expected. Great for music naturally. But, the component video output allows high-definition display of photos, with accompanying soundtrack, on the home theater system. I find this to be a much better way to get media from the computer than a Media Center/Extender combination.
  
  
• just get it
  By A1OCSTPFSORSZQ on 2008-02-16
  i used this dock to watch movies at my friends house on their 50+ inch big screen. i would encode the movies in a high quality and they looked great. i speak in the past tense because i got home one day and there was a message that said USB malfunction. now my computer is 5 or so years old so im not going to put all of the blame on this dock. plus i reset my zune and it is out for the count at the moment so it could have been a defective zune too.
  
  
• Nice but few quirks
  By A271QXN0DZUK9H on 2008-03-02
  I like the asthetics of th ecradle / home av pack v2, however funtionally its a mess. I didn't like the way the component cables stick out of the back making the very lightweight cradle unstable. I wish they made some kind of an adapter that would make just one cable come out of the back for all cables. Mine is sitting in front of my plasma tv so I want cables out of sight. I don't like the fact that I have to turn off the zune manually, can't do it from the remote by holding down the left and down button. Like the remote for its lightweight design, I'm sure I'll lose it in a few months and find it again under my couch or some uncharted hidden corner of my living room.
  
  
• Simply awesome for Zune 80!
  By A3TSSJ44PAYWG0 on 2008-03-16
  At first I could not see video then realized I needed to set the Zune to 'video out'.
  
  At work I hooked this up to a projector and was able to get sound through the 1/8th inch jack and computer speakers.
  
  Perfect for Zune 80!
  
  
• Overpriced junk
  By A7IJ88ZGGSI8B on 2008-08-05
  I love my Zune but this was a ripoff.
  
  Mine has a short in in somewhere--only the left channel was working. In fact, I thought it was my receiver so I bought another one. Turns out it was a short in either the wiring or the cradle--After wiggling it a little it works.
  
  But at this price, this is high for wires and plastic--even if it WORKED.
  
  I'm sorely disappointed.
  
  
• Great Product
  By ASRWML4G48VM9 on 2008-10-14
  I bought this because I lost my sync cable and this was on sale for 45% off.
  It does everything it says it would, I have it hooked up in my living room and everyday when I get back from work, I just drop my Zune 80 in the dock, and it starts charging and syncing with my computer(assuming the computer is on and has the Zune Software running).
  
  If I'm syncing a large amount of files you can plug this straight into the computer, otherwise it's hooked up to my tv for its video/audio out feature (great for viewing podcasts/videos/photos)
  I've had not problems with it, and would even consider buying another for my bedroom.
  
  
• Great For Charging Zune
  By AON11UOH4JHJ4 on 2008-10-16
  If you want to fully enjoy your zune, you have to get this pack. The only way to always have wireless on when your on the go is to always charge it before leaving the house. Whenever I get home I just plug my zune right into the home dock. A lot of people who have zunes say that the wireless functions drain the battery too much, but if you have a home dock, this eliminates that problem.
  
  Pros
  -keeps zune chargedn no doubt
  -nice to plug into your tv or entertainment system to listen or watch the stuff on your zune.
  
  Cons
  -the remote control for the home dock is too rigid for my tastes
  -if you want your zune to be in HD, you need to buy component cables too.
  
  

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